quilter1962

Oh Sharon

I do feel for you try not to get too worked up about it. I was going to suggest using a larger Denim needle too. Other than that I don't have any idea other than maybe taking it slowly when you get to where the seam blocks meet.:wink:
I am sorry I have no other advice, I sew with a Pffaff & have no problems what so ever, good luck & remember don't fret now.

Tisha

muffins

Will soon be making a denim rag quilt and getting my denim ready by cutting out the denim from old jeans, some I bought at yard sales. I cut around the seams and didn't incorporate the seam. I will be placing a few pockets and a belt loop on a few squares, if I encounter any problems with the thick seam on those few pieces, I will stich them on by hand.

earthwalker

I have an old Singer and an even more ancient Pinnock (small industrial). The Singer copes with denim as long as I go slow on the tricky bits and use a denim needle (changed regularly). Before sewing I pound the thicker bits then give them a good press, keeping the seams open. It is not a quick process, so don't be hard on yourself. If you get really stuck or worried you could hand stitch using a sharp mattress needle, but you'll be ok if you just stick with it. Let us know how you go and post some pics.

Gwyn

When I but am using denim from jeans, I cut the seams off. Then I use a #16 needle. As I work along, the seams are ironed open to avoid huge lumps and bumps. When I include the pockets as part of the square, I cut it so I don't sew over a bug bump.

Use a strong machine, a good strong needle, don't sew over pins and go really slow. Be patient. change the needle every few hours. That is what works for me. Gwyn

dizzy

DEAR
JUst go slow at it an do make sure you do have either a denim needle or
a red needle with a purple end on it.that is what I used for my denim.quilt an i even had flannul on th back side of my squares.that rascule got heavy by the time I got through with it.but it makes a great camping blanket or even one over my couch when it's the rainy season so the pups don't get so much stuff on the couch.

RedGarnet222

I also reccommend the denim needle, but also use a heavier, stronger thread. Like a ulpholstry thread.

sharon b

I am going very slow over the bulk, but still the thread is breaking :cry: There are no seams from the jeans themselves. It is a layer of denim, a layer of flannel and then the backing which is cotton. But when you get to the seams ( where you join) is when I am having all the problems. I oiled the machine, put in a new needle, new bobbin UGH :twisted:

Where do I get the upholstery thread ? and do I use it the same as regular thread ?

Thanks for all the suggestions

judy_68

When I made mine I use regular thread and I had no problems. My singer is great though. It will sew through anything as long as you go slow if its really thick.
Judy

Prism99

Actually, you can purchase real jeans thread -- the yellow kind you see jeans sewn with. It's a little pricey, I think, and ummm yellow. You would definitely need a larger jeans needle to handle the thicker thread.

It sounds to me as if your machine may not have enough raw power to pierce the denim. I know you have tried this on two machines, which makes this seem less likely, but still...... Do you know anyone who has a different machine you can try? If the machine itself is too weak for this job, changing the needle and/or thread isn't going to help.

Is there a machine you can borrow? Or perhaps you could take some pieces to a dealership and see how other machines handle the job.

dizzy

you can also get denium thread I know walmart did sell it because I got
some an used it to sew my brothers welding jacket.An it was leather.